Submitted by: Dan Rich

George J. DeMeyer

Dec. 30, 1924 - Oct. 17, 2000

South Bend Tribune 10/22/2000

George J. DeMeyer, 75, died unexpectedly in his home. He was born in Mishawaka, Ind., and lived there his entire life. After his 1943 graduation from Mishawaka High School, he entered the U.S. Army on June 22, 1943. George was a PFC of the 90 mm anti-aircraft artillery gun battery. He operated automatic fire control, and tracked the course and distance of aerial targets including V-1 "buzz bombs" near England's Cliffs of Dover. He was in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, where his unit depended on him as translator. George spoke both English and Flemish, which is one of the languages spoken in Belgium. In addition to Belgium and England, his unit served in France and Germany. He received the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon with 4 bronze stars, a Good Conduct ribbon and Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged Jan. 8, 1946, and was a lifetime member of VFW Post 360.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gloria (Stachurski); son, Brian of Palm Bay, Fla.; daughter, Colleen Dickinson of Gurnee, III., and daughter, Marlene Schroeder of South Bend, Ind.; two grandchildren, Mathew and Jaime Dickinson; sons-in-law, Craig Schroeder and Bob Dickinson; and one brother, Ralph of Osceola, Ind. George leaves behind eight nieces and nephews and their families, as well as coworkers from Studebakers, I&M Electric, and AM General in South Bend.

As a southpaw pitcher, George played with various fast-pitch softball teams during the 1940s, '50s and '60s. Teams included Studebaker's, Frenchy's, DeAmici's, Thomas Ice Cream of Niles, Legion Post 357, VFW 1157, and the Belgian-American Business Association. In 1953, with George as pitcher, the Martindale Insurance team won the state championship. George was a pet lover, and has been "the cookie man" and spoiler to seven dogs. Many of his dogs have been adopted from the Humane Society, including one dog that had been severely abused. Several families bid to adopt this dog, and George's was chosen. George also enjoyed making his own wine, something he learned from his father during Prohibition.

Contributions in memory of George J. DeMeyer may be made to the World War II Memorial Fund at 1-800-639-4WW2, or to the St. Joseph County Humane Society. According to George's wishes, there will be no service or visitation. The Hahn Funeral Home is handling arrangements for his cremation.